PB seeks ban of LPG-refilled butane canisters

CEBU, Philippines - An ordinance seeking to give more teeth to the existing order of the Department of Energy that prohibits the refilling, distribution, hauling and retailing of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)-refilled canisters has been pushed by the committee on energy of the Cebu Provincial Board.

“It is worth noting that the cogency and force of the purpose of this measure is too obvious to be set aside or even questioned. Thus, this committee recommends for its approval, however, subject to the amendments in its final version,” read the report of the committee chaired by Board Member Glen Bercede.

Bercede also authored the proposed measure that would prohibit the refilling of LPG into tin canister previously filled with butane.

Sections 24 and 25 of the DOE Circular No. DC 2014-01-0001 prohibits the refilling of LPG into tin canister, and the sale of LPG in non-refillable container which has been previously filled with butane.

Bercede said the DOE circular remained unheeded until putting the public’s life in danger.

“The DOE has been vigorously campaigning for the public not to patronize LPG-filled butane,” he said.

In fact, a truck carrying 6,000 refilled butane canisters exploded following a collision with a school service vehicle at the South Road Properties in Talisay City last August 10.

Bercede said the measure is seen to regulate and address the proliferation of illegally-refilled butane canisters all over the province.

“LPG-refilled butane canisters are high risk of exploding since butane canister is only made of tin and is not suitable to handle high pressure of LPG content which poses a great threat to the public,” he said.

The proposed ordinance is set for second reading next week. It was already passed on first reading last Monday.

Among the action plans of the ordinance include the apprehension of haulers transporting LGP-refilled butane canisters by the members of the provincial police office and the traffic offices of the component LGUs; monitoring of all sari-sari stores; ceasing from issuing business permits to firms or individuals who are engaged or planning to engage in refilling; among others.

Violators may be facing P5,000 maximum penalty per violation; revocation of permits for commercial and community stores; among others.

The committee had earlier initiated a dialogue with officials from DOE, Department of Trade and Industry and Cebu Provincial Police Office.

“Unwavering support and commitment to eliminate the splurge of this illegal LPG-refilled butane was assured during the said meeting,” Bercede said.

In line with this, the DOE-7 will also be requesting its head office to immediately create a special committee to handle and address issues concerning the said illegal activity in the downstream oil industry, which refers to the sector refining of petroleum crude oil and the processing and purifying of raw natural gas, as well as the marketing and distribution of products derived from crude oil and natural gas.

The Bureau of Fire Protection reported that there were 44 butane-related fire incidents from 2010 to 2015.

The committee has identified the town of Liloan and Danao City as among the areas with existing backyard refilling station for butane. (FREEMAN)